Battle of Tarsos
The sun was burning fiercely on Euergetes neck as he casually examined the siege lines of his troops. It had only been a few weeks since the Royal Army had made a safe landing on the shore of . After the men, horses and wagons had been unloaded onto the beach, his army had made steady progress up the rivers into the highlands of Kilikia. Meeting little resistance Euergetes took the advice of many of his retainers and let the army forage, which kept the small amount of supplies intact for the long siege that was expected. This however, led to stealing and raiding, which the Kleronomos Basileios turned a blind eye to, after all, the populace had betrayed the Kingdom.
Although sceptical of his training in the arts of war the army seemed to run itself. Delegating had been easy and turning the commanders still loyal to the previous leader had been trivial, money being the key factor. Setting up the siege lines around the city of Tarsos was no trouble and the cavalry was able to dispatch of any defenders trying to sally out. It had been a week since the siege had started and the army had settled into a routine. This same complacency had effected the Heir as well so he had decided for a morning stroll to inspire the men and check standards weren't slipping.
Suddenly, a young boy who was no older than 14 stumbled into the side of Euergetes and toppled to the floor. Turning around quickly to rebuke the boy, Euergetes swung his hand hoping to clap him on the side of the head. The boy however, swiftly darted out of the way and bowed his head.
'Kleronomos Basileios, my most sincere apologies, I bring news from Herakleides however. A Seleukid relief force is marching on the north of the city.'
All signs of anger disappeared from Euergetes face as the realisation of what might befall his army clattered into his brain. Gathering his thoughts he shouted an order for his horse and told the boy to bring the news to his commanders.
'Tell them to gather north of the city and leave a token force from each of their units to watch the city.'
When Euergetes reached his bodyguards captain however the news was grave.
'They number over three quarters of our army. If the garrison sallies out then they would most likely match our numbers. With the army stretched out I suggest we concentrate our forces to the south and let them come at us. There is slight hills over there and overall our army is likely to be in much better condition. We haven't marched over mountains to get here after all,' the seasoned veteran explained.
'I agree. Carry out that plan, I expect to give battle by this afternoon.'
~~~
With the army formed up on the side of a slight slope the Kleronomos Basileios was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the enemy force. He had never been in battle before and his closest experience was the lessons in the sand battlefields of Mégas Aléxandros' battles. There would be no special strategy this battle. Skirmish with the psiloi, engage with the superior infantry forces of Aigyptos and flank with larger cavalry numbers. If it could be helped Euergetes would not get involved in direct fighting. He wished to observe and give orders if necessary. Fighting would only distract him and could cause disaster. Looking to the flanks he saw the cavalry was already eager and started to flank the army early.
'Very well' he thought, 'they can handle themselves'. The psiloi closed to the enemy as well and started to throw their javelins and loose arrow shafts wildly into the dense mass of men. There was a few cries of anguish but the untrained peasants were never meant to be the deadly force of the army. The commanders knew their jobs well and the infantry held back, letting the enemy come to them through a constant shower of projectiles. Lining up they advanced steady towards the Ptolemaic lines with their superior phalanx but with a lack of support troops.
'Surely they cannot win this way Herakleides. Our phalanx will hold them and our light troops quickly flank them. Why do they advance?' asked the Kleronomos Basileios.
'This style of fighting has happened for over a century general. The enemy commander must have faith in the superiority of Seleukid troops.'
'Fool' muttered Euergetes, 'if a brave one'.
The heavy infantry clashed with the lesser trained troops of the Ptolemaic army but the way of phalanx warfare kept them rooted to the spot. The light troops of Euergetes steadily advanced around the side and attacked the sides and rear of the phalanx. A smile broke across Euergetes face as he saw this. Why I ever doubted my ability is a wonder. This is all too easy, thought the Heir.
'Hold on, their light troops might come to their aid' exclaimed Herakleides. Sure enough, when Euergetes turned he saw the spearmen of the Seleukids advancing. Suddenly and quickly the light cavalry struck, darting round the edges of their formation and throwing javelins into their midst. Failing to do their duty the enemy commanders chased the cavalry away from the battle. As Euergetes watched in amazement his cavalry surrounded and peppered the enemy until their javelins were depleted. The medium cavalry moved into the front of the formation and suddenly a charge from all angles descended on the understrength spearmen.
They were slaughtered. Turning to help their comrades, they successively charged into the rear formation of the enemy ranks. They quickly broke and the cavalry streamed victorious across the fields mopping up enemy reinforcements and taking quick care of the cities garrison.
Euergetes smiled once more, content and happy.
~~~
After hearing news that his father had found him a wife who was waiting for him in Alexandreia Euergetes was rather put out. Tarsos was a disappointing town. Drab and dreary, nothing like the pleasurable luxuries of other Eastern cities. After having his troops set up watched and stations throughout the city he gathered the three most senior commanders of his troops. Infantry commander Nikias was small and had mousy features. He was charged with both the psiloi and the proper infantry and had much success during the battle. Pallas was commander of the cavalry and was tall, strong and very good looking. He had flowing blonde hair which flapped out of the back of his helmet like a cape. Finally was Herakleides, the captain of Euergetes bodyguards. Old and wisened for a warrior he was the Heir's main advisor.
'I will dispersing much of the cities population. They will be sent to major cities through the Kingdom to help bolster work programs. Let the men loot and pillage as they wish and make sure to collect as much money as possible. We need to keep the mnai flowing through the coffers. Herakleides will be in charge of the army whilst I return to Alexandreia for my wedding and the Royal Council meeting. I leave you gentlemen in good stead. No doubt I will get permission for us to continue campaigning and greater glory and money will come to us all. Pallas, stay out of the brothels will you?'
'Will do General'.
Laughing to themselves the group dispersed and Euergetes left the city for a long trip back to the capital of the world wondering what his wife would look like.
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